Overview

If you plan to visit Spain, it helps to know what you will experience and the answer is a taste of culture over the centuries that is varied, living and unique. Here’s my list of great things to do and see on your trip to Spain:

Gold, Stone and Awe: Spanish Cathedrals

Most cities have one or more churches. During Easter week, parades of the penitents are widely viewed and a cause for street parties. Inside the churches, spectacular displays of rich gold artwork, statues, saintly relics and sometimes even the blending of culture is at work. Some cathedrals are in ruins and are picturesque because of the carved memorial stones and, some still in use. Favorite Spanish cathedral: Mezquite Cathedral in Cordoba, where Catholic church facilities are built within the spacious expanse of a former Islamic Mosque.

Most Unique Beach with One of Everything: Playa de Lances

Near Granada, a beach in Spain called Playa de Lances has wildflowers, wetlands, birds, creatures, camping, hiking and beach walking, old World War II ruins and wind mills and was definitely my favorite beach.

Most Utilitarian but Unique: Spanish Bridges

Many cities were built on the banks of rivers which supplied water. Because of this, most cities and even some small towns offer a fascinating experience as one encounters a new and stylistically different bridge. Favorite bridge: Sevilla, Spain

What the Young Love: Spanish Street Art and Road Circles

Street art exists in the form of city sponsored graffiti. Many road circles have sculptures at the center to help make them unique and beautiful. The biggest circle we encountered was in Valencia, Spain and had eight lanes of traffic in a circle and traffic lights to help govern the traffic. A large fountain was located at the center.

For those with a Green Thumb: Spanish Gardens

Gardens in Spain are often built in the formal European style. Many are located at the seats of government in the city. Most offer fountains, flowers, hedges and mazes. Favorite Spanish Garden: Parque de Retiro, Madrid

Most Terrifying and Beautiful Spanish Mountains

The rain may fall on the plain in Spain but the rhyme belies the fact that Spain is very mountainous. On the way to and from Cazorla the mountains were beautiful and very different. The Sierra Nieve were a delight for many reasons. I was terrified coming and going through these mountains, but also awed.